Canada Is Raising PR and Citizenship Fees in 2026 — Here's What You Need to Know
If you are in the middle of a Canadian immigration application — or planning to start one soon — this update affects you directly. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced increases to permanent residence (PR) processing fees and citizenship fees, with changes taking effect as early as March 31, 2026.
At iCA Immigration & Talent Services, we believe our clients deserve timely, clear information so they can make confident decisions about their immigration journey. Here is a complete breakdown of what is changing, who is affected, and what steps you should take right now.
What Is Changing and When?
There are two separate fee increases happening on two separate dates:
Citizenship applications (Right of Citizenship Fee): Increases from $119.75 to $123.00, effective March 31, 2026.
Permanent residence applications (all categories): Increases across all PR programs, effective April 30, 2026.
If you applied for PR and paid online before these dates, you are not affected. If you mailed a paper application before the relevant date, IRCC will generally honor the old fee — however, because there can be a delay between when you mail the application and when IRCC receives it, there is a risk you may be asked to pay the difference.
Important Note on the Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF):
If you applied for PR before April 30 but chose to defer your RPRF payment to a later date, you must pay the new amount of $600 — not the old $575 — when you make that payment. The RPRF is based on the fee in effect at the time of payment, not the time of application.
Full Fee Schedule: Old vs. New
The following summarizes all fee changes announced by IRCC, effective April 30, 2026 (unless noted).
Right of Permanent Residence Fee Principal applicant or accompanying spouse/common-law partner: was $575, now $600 — effective April 30, 2026
Federal High Skilled (Express Entry, PNP, QSWP, Atlantic Immigration Class) Principal applicant: was $950, now $990 Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: was $950, now $990 Accompanying dependent child: was $260, now $270
Business Immigration (Federal and Quebec) Principal applicant: was $1,810, now $1,895 Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: was $950, now $990 Accompanying dependent child: was $260, now $270
Family Reunification Sponsorship fee: was $85, now $90 Sponsored principal applicant: was $545, now $570 Sponsored dependent child (under 22, not a spouse/partner): was $85, now $90
Protected Persons Principal applicant: was $635, now $660 Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: was $635, now $660 Accompanying dependent child: was $175, now $180
Humanitarian and Compassionate / Public Policy Principal applicant: was $635, now $660 Accompanying spouse or common-law partner: was $635, now $660 Accompanying dependent child: was $175, now $180
Permit Holders Class Principal applicant: was $375, now $390
Right of Citizenship Fee Was $119.75, now $123.00 — effective March 31, 2026
What Do These Fees Cover?
It helps to understand what you are actually paying for. There are two distinct types of fees:
Processing Fees
These are the fees IRCC charges to review and process your application. They apply regardless of whether your application is approved, and they vary by program and applicant type.
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) and Right of Citizenship Fee
These are additional fees paid on top of processing fees. They are essentially a 'landing fee' — you pay these once IRCC approves your application in principle (or at the time of submission for citizenship). The RPRF applies to the principal applicant and their accompanying spouse or common-law partner. The Right of Citizenship Fee applies to all citizenship applicants aged 18 and older.
Who Is Affected?
These changes affect applicants across virtually every immigration stream, including:
- Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants
- Quebec Skilled Worker Program
- Atlantic Immigration Class
- Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilots
- Business immigration (Start-Up Visa, Self-Employed Persons Program)
- Family Sponsorship (sponsoring a spouse, partner, child, parent, or grandparent)
- Protected persons and refugees
- Humanitarian and Compassionate applicants
- Permit Holders Class
- Canadian citizenship applicants (18 years of age and older)
What This Means for Your Application — And How iCA Can Help
Fee increases are a reminder that the cost of immigration is not static, and that timing your application strategically matters. Whether you are preparing a permanent residence application through Express Entry, sponsoring a family member, or applying for Canadian citizenship, having a knowledgeable, licensed consultant in your corner helps you avoid costly mistakes.
At iCA Immigration & Talent Services, Jennifer Johnson (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, RCIC #R709916) and the iCA team provide expert, personalized guidance at every stage of the immigration process. From assessing your eligibility and selecting the right pathway to preparing a complete and compliant application, iCA's approach is built on accuracy, transparency, and care.
Explore how iCA supports your journey:
Permanent Residence Applications — Express Entry, PNP, and more:ica-immigration.ca/immigration
Family Sponsorship — Reunite with the people who matter most:ica-immigration.ca/immigration#FamilySponsorship
RCIP Services — Rural community immigration pathways:ica-immigration.ca/rcip-services
Employer / Talent Recruitment Services — LMIA support and international hiring:ica-immigration.ca/intercultural-training
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply under the old fee if I submit before the deadline?
Yes — if your complete online application and payment are submitted before April 30, 2026 (for PR) or March 31, 2026 (for citizenship), you pay the old fee.
What if I mailed my application close to the deadline?
IRCC looks at the date your complete application was received, not necessarily the postmark date. If the application arrived after the fee change, you may be asked to pay the difference. IRCC will contact you directly in that case.
What is a dependent child for immigration purposes?
IRCC defines a dependent child as someone under the age of 22 who does not have a spouse or partner. Children over 22 may still qualify if they have been financially dependent on their parents since before turning 22 and cannot support themselves due to a physical or mental condition.
How do I find the exact fee for my specific application?
IRCC provides an online fee tool on its website that calculates the exact amount based on your program type and personal situation. Alternatively, book a consultation with iCA and we will walk you through the complete cost breakdown for your application.
Ready to Start or Advance Your Application?
Fee increases are coming. Don't leave money on the table — or your future to chance.
Book a consultation with iCA Immigration & Talent Services today and let our licensed RCIC team assess your eligibility, recommend the right pathway, and help you submit a complete application — with confidence.
